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2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid First Look

A Porsche 911 hybrid remains a few years away, but you can still get an electric fix from the iconic performance brand with the 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. The new model replaces this year's Cayenne S E-Hybrid and adds more power, quicker acceleration, a higher top speed and increased electric range.

Power comes from a familiar union of a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine and electric motor, a pairing rated at 455 horsepower and an axle-twisting 516 pound-feet of torque. With an updated clutch system and standard all-wheel drive helping shift that power to the ground, the new E-Hybrid covers 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0.7 second quicker than its predecessor, and it hits a higher top speed of 157 mph.

The 14.1-kWh battery pack remains the same size, but it packs 30 percent more capacity. Porsche says that's enough for the E-Hybrid to travel 27 miles on electricity alone, at speeds of up to 83 mph. With the standard 3.6-kW onboard charger and a 240-volt connection, a depleted battery can recharge in about eight hours. The optional 7.2-kW charger will do it in about two hours. An obligatory smartphone app will let drivers monitor and adjust charging remotely as well as operate climate controls and find nearby charging stations.

Efficiency Is Great, but Performance Is Better But charge times and electric efficiency are pedestrian concerns when driving a Porsche, even a Porsche SUV. Thus, the E-Hybrid comes standard with Porsche's lauded adaptive suspension (PASM) for exquisite handling, along with the familiar Sport Chrono package. The latter offers two sport driving modes that always ensure enough battery power on tap for quick bursts of speed, as well as performance-geeking features, such as a lap timer and a display that shows how hard you're cornering. Porsche drivers who prefer to keep things more civilized can also choose an optional air suspension package.

In addition to the sport modes, the E-Hybrid will offer four hybrid-specific modes. One of these, E-Hold, is a save-for-later mode that conserves battery power while traveling at higher speeds, such as on the highway or interstate. It can be used for low- to moderate-speed situations, such as within city centers or dense traffic zones. A new mode called Hybrid Auto purports to both charge and combine drive sources automatically for best efficiency.

More in Store Porsche hasn't ignored the regular Cayenne either. New features spreading throughout the lineup include a heated windshield, massaging seats, a color head-up display and — a Porsche first — 22-inch wheels.

Finally, there's the optional InnoDrive, an advanced cruise control system that can read road features and traffic conditions nearly 2 miles ahead and set optimal speed and transmission gearing. The system can even recognize speed limit signs and adjust speed accordingly. No more speed traps!

The 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid goes on sale next spring for around $81,000.

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